Game apparatus



H. B. STONER ET AL GAME APPARATUS Sept. 14, 1937.

Filed July 6, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet 1 Sept. 14, 1937. H. B. sToNER E1- AL GAME APPARATUS Filed July 6, 1956 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 amv um N ANN sept. 14, 1937.

H. B. sToNER ET AL 2,093,293

GAME APPARATUS Filed July e, 193e 341 W5 a sheets-sheet s Sept. 14, 1937. r H. B. s'roNER r-:T AL 2,093,293

GAME APPARATUS Filed July 6,1195@ 8 sheets-sheet 4 sept. 14, 1937. H B. STONE T AL 2,093,293

GAME APPARATUS Filed July- 6, 193e 8 sheets-sheet 5 Sept. 14, 1937. H. B. sToNER ET AL GAME APPARATUS Filed July 6, 1936 Mz a 8 sheets-sheet e Sept. 14, 1937. H. B. sToNl-:R ET AL GAME APPARATUS Filed July 6, 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Sept. 14, 1937. H. B. sToNER ET AL GAME APPARATUS Filed July 6. 1936 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 w NE.

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ZBGNN Patented Sept. 14, 1937 PATENT OFFICE GAME APPARATUS Harry B. Stoner and Karl Knickerbocker, Aurora, Ill.

Application July 6, 1936, serial No. 89,060

18 Claims.

This invention relates to amusement or game apparatus of the type in which the player causes an object, such as a ball, to travel or to be projected over a playing surface which is yprovided with suitable areas or openings over or into which the object or ball may be moved. More particularly, the present invention is directed to that class of game apparatus, the operation of which is controlled by coin operated mechanism.

I It has been generally recognized as a prime requisite in game apparatus of this general class that, in order to be commercially successful, the game should possess that characteristic known as player appeal. In other words, it must be so constructed and arranged as to provide amusement and entertainment and also create or stimulate and maintain interest as an inducement or incentive for the player or players to continue operating or playing the apparatus. Such appeal may be the result of the action of the objects or balls moved over the surface oi the playing field, and/or the action required cn the part ci the player, such as adjustment or manipulation oi certain apparatus incident to playing the game.

One of the objects of this invention. is to provide in game apparatus of the character indicated novel means adapted to be manipulated by the player prior to actuation oi the coin operated mechanism to pre-designate by selection the particular area or objective of the playing field over or into which it is desired to move or lodge the object or ball.

Another object resides in the provision of novel game apparatus wherein a` plurality of areas or objections of the playing iield over or into which it is desired to move or lodge the object or ball may be pre-designated or selected prior to actually playing the game apparatus; said preselection being separately made prior to one of a plu rality of successive actuations oi the coin cperated mechanism by insertion of a plurality of coins.

A further object resides in the provision of electrically operated Visual indicating means cor- 6 responding to certain areas or objectives ci the playing eld, adapted to be pre-selected by the player and rendered visible upon actuation oI the coin operated mechanism.

Another object is to provide reward or score .50 indicating means rendered operative and visible 55 Ward or score indicating means adapted to be re-adjusted upon each actuation of the coin operated mechanism.

A still further object resides in the provision of an improved game apparatus of the character indicated having means adapted to be manipulated by a player to preselect or designate an area or objective of the playing field over or into which it is desired to move or lodge the object or ball, and wherein said means is rendered visible upon actuation of coin operated mechanism, together with the provision of means for visually indicating the area or objective wherein said movable object or ball has passed or has become lodged.

A still further object resides in the provision of correlated electrical actuated means wherein the player may pre-select or designate an area or objective of the playing neld over or into which a ball passes or is lodged, and wherein said selection is visually indicated by actuation of coin operated mechanism, together with the provision of electrically atuated means for Visually indieating the area or objective wherein the object or bail has passed or has become lodged.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a novel game apparatus of the character described which is simple to operate and which possesses appeal for creating, stimulating and maintaining interest of the player for inducing play of the apparatus.

With the foregoing and other objects in View which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists in certain novel features of construction, arrangement and combination of parts hereinafter' fully described, illustrated in 35 the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the form, proportion, size and minor details of the structure may be made without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of our invention, we have illustrated in the accompanying drawings, a preferred embodiment thereof, from an inspection of which when considered in connection with the following description, our invention, its mode oi construction, assembly and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreoiated.

Referring to the drawings in which the same characters of reference are employed to indicate corresponding or similar parts throughout the several gures of the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of game apparatus embodying the present invention, with parts broken away to show details of construction;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the underside of the playing field with the operating mechanism mounted thereon;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view of a portion of a bank of relay devices for controlling the operation of certain electrical circuits;

Fig. i is a sectional view through the bank of relays, taken as indicated at line 4 4 on Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a sectional View through a relay, taken as indicated at line 5-5 on Fig. 4; v

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the relay arma ture;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view through pre-selecting mechanism, taken as indicated at line I-'i on Fig. 1;

Fig. 8 is an underside View of the selector panel and associated mechanism, taken as indicated at line 8 8 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view through the control for the ball projecting mechanism, taken as indicated at line @-9 on Fig. 1;

Fig. l0 is a fragmentary view of the underside of the upper end of the playing field showing the control for the reward or score indicating lights and associated parts;

Fig. 11 is an enlarged sectional view through the control mechanism, taken as indicated at line li-il on Fig. 10;

Fig. 12 is a View of the underside of the control mechanism showing the arrangement of electrical contact strips and schematic wiring to said contacts for the various electrical circuits;

Fig. 13 is a sectional View taken as indicated at line H2B-i3 on Fig. 2;

Fig, 14 is a section taken at line lll-Iii on Fig. l, showing the operating lever projecting through and above the surface of the playing field, and associated switch controlled thereby;

Fig. 15 is a sectional View taken as indicated at line iti-l5 on Fig. 2, showing the kicker mechanism for moving the balls into position for projection preparatory to playing the apparatus;

Fig. 16 is a sectional view through the pivot connection of the ball projecting lever, taken at line ifi-lt on Fig. 2;

Fig. 17 is a sectional view taken as indicated at line lll-li on Fig. 2,-

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary sectional View taken vat line lf3-i8 on Fig. 2; and

Fig. 19 is a schematic wiring diagram of the various electrical circuits for controlling operation of the game apparatus embodying the present invention.

The specific embodiment of the present invention chosen for the purpose of illustration comprises means for visually indicating a pre-selected or designated area over which it is desired that a ball shall pass, together with a second series of vvisual indicating means corresponding to various areas of the playing field to designate the particular area of the playing field over which a ball has passed. There is also provided visual indicating means for representing various rewards or scores in the event the pre-selected area of the playing field corresponds to the particular area over which the ball has passed.

Although, the game apparatus embodying the present invention will function entirely satisfactorily if a single ball is employed for projection or movement over the playing field, we desire, however, to employ a plurality of balls for increasing the player appeal of the game, and as will hereinafter appear, the actuation of the preselecting means and the means indicating the area over which a ball has passed will function in the same manner as when a single ball is employed, because the mechanism is so constructed and arranged as to function upon the passage of the first ball over one of the areas which control said visual indicating means.

Referring now in detail to the drawings, the game apparatus embodying this invention comprises a cabinet type receptacle l@ provided with a playing field Il which is preferably inclined slightly to the horizontal, so that the balls, indicated generally at A, when projected towards the upper end of said field will roll either by the action of gravity, or as the result of its impact force, towards the lower end of the field. At the upper right hand corner of the playing field, as seen in Fig. l of the drawings, is a projection chute or passageway, indicated at i2, where the ball or balls are initially lodged preparatory to projection onto the playing eld.

'I'he upper portion of the playing eld is formed with a reversely curved track i3 which terminates in a curved portion I3a and registering therewith is a track portion l forming a continuation thereof, sc that the balls are redirected in an upward angular direction after which they may roll down over the playing field. The upper portion of the playing field adjacent the track portion i3 is divided into a plurality of passages through which the balls may roll downwardly over the. playing field, and the partitions defining the respective passages desirably are formed by coiled springs I5 extending substa-ntially longitudinal of the playing field and connected at opposite ends to pins i6. Said springs are disposed at a slight angle so as to ensure directing the balls in the general direction of the areas which are associated with visual indicating means. Said areas are preferably located at the lower end of the playing field and, as herein shown, are in the form of a plurality of spaced stalls separated by partitions or bars I8. These stalls, for convenience, are herein numerically designated as l to 7, inclusive, which numerical designations will correspond to both the visual pre-selecting means and the visual means for indicating the particular stall or area into and over which the first ball passes.

'Ihe playing field is provided with elongated apertures I9 in registration with each of said stalls, and through each of which apertures eX- tends a lever arm 20 extending slightly above the surface. of the playing field so as to be engaged and depressed by a ball passing through the respective stalls. Said lever arms are pivotally mounted on a transversely extending rod or shaft 2i journaled on the underside of the playing field. Associated with each of said lever arms is an insulated disk or member 22, which, as seen in Fig. 14, rests upon an extension of the switch arm 23 of a switch, indicated generally at 2E., and which switches are connected in electrical circuits as hereinafter described. Each of the switches 24 is provided with contact arms 25, and in the normal position of said lever 20, said switch arms 23 and 25 are separated or in operative position. However, when a ball passes over the lever 2@ depressing it, the insulating disk 22 moving downwardly swings the switch arm 23 into operative contact with the switch arm 25 to complete a por tion of an electric circuit.

At the side of the playing field opposite the projection chute is a raised panel 21, the inner edge of which serves to define a portion of the playing eld. Said panel is provided with a multiplicity of recesses containing sockets for small electric light bulbs which desirably are covered by small panels of translucent or transparent material and serve as visual indicating means. It will be observed that the electric light bulbs are divided up into a plurality of groups. The group adjacent the uppermost portion of the playing field comprises seven light bulbs, herein designated as 28a, 28h, 28e, 28d, 28e, 28f and 28g, may be understood to represent or designate rewards or scores to be accorded the player in the event he is successful in projecting the rst ball of the group over the pre-selected area. Associated with each of these light bulbs may be various numerical designations representing a score or reward.l For example, if the game apparatus is constructed as a race game, these various light bulbs may be numerically designated by numerals indicating the odds in favor of the player in the event he is successful.

The lower portion of the panel 21 is provided with two parallel rows or series of lights designated as 29a, 29h, 29e, 29d, 29e, 29j, 29g, and 35a, 30h, 30C, 30d, 30e, 3Il]e and 30g, respectively. The series of lights 30a to 30g are connected into electrical circuits that may be completed by the switches 24, actuated by the levers 20 in the respective stalls I to 1, inclusive. The other bank of lights 29a to 29g, inclusive, are connected in a series of electrical circuits which corresponds to the respective stalls I to 1, inclusive, to the preselecting device which is to be manipulated by the player. It is to be understood that only one of the lights 30a to 30g will be illuminated by the balls passing through the respective stalls by virtue of the particular mechanism employed for controlling the electrical circuits, and only the iirst ball to actuate a lever 20 will be eiective to close its respective electric circuit for illuminating its corresponding light of the series 30a to 309.

Below the two parallel banks of light bulbs above described are two additional light bulbs designated as 3| and 32, respectively. The lights 3|, as will hereinafter be described, is connected into the main electrical circuits and is controlled by conventional tilting mechanism (not here shown or described), so as to be set into operation in the event the game apparatus is tilted so as to render the game apparatus inoperative. The light bulb 32 is connected into the main electrical circuit, as will hereinafter be. described, and is intended to indicate when the game apparatus is in functioning condition as a result of actuation of the coin operating mechanism, indicated generally at 33, upon the insertion of a coin.

The lower end of the playing field is formed with a trough 35 for receiving the balls as they pass through the respective stalls, and for accumulating them preparatory to re-play of the game apparatus. Said trough isslightly inclined toward the projection chute, so that when released they will roll by gravity.

Located inwardly of the projection chute I2 and dened by the block 31 and the guard bar 38 vis passageway 40 into which the balls roll when they are released, and through which the balls are initially projected for disposing them in the projection chute I2 preparatory to projection onto the playing eld. Said balls, however, are normally conned in the trough 35 by a pin or rod 4I which is connected to the ball ejector bar 42, as seen in Fig. 2, and which is withdrawn upon operation of the coin slide mechanism 33 so as to permit the balls to roll by gravity down the inclined trough 35 into the passage 40. As said balls roll into the passageway 40 they depress a relatively resilient finger or lever arm 44 which is formed with an angular extension 45 which is simultaneously moved, and which serves to complete an electrical circuit through normally spaced apart switch arms 46 and 41 of the switch 48, which is connected in an electric circuit for energizing a kicker mechanism, designated generally at 50. (See Fig. l5.)

The kicker mechanism is of conventional construction comprising a coil 5I which when energized attracts the pivoted armature 52 which is in the form of a lever having a bent over nose portion 53 positioned to strike the ball disposed in the passageway 40 for projecting said ball upwardly therethrough and by virtue of the reversely curved portion 38a of the guard rail 38, the balls are re-directed downwardly into the projection chute I2, preparatory to projection onto the playing eld. Manifestly, each time a ball is forcibly struck by the nose of the armature lever 52 for impelling it up the passageway 40, the lever arm 44 is permitted to return to normal position due to the spring action of the switch arm 41 of the switch 48, which movement simultaneously breaks the circuit between the switch arms 46 and 41 and the armature lever 52 is returned to the position seen in Fig. l5, by the coil spring 54. The operation is repeated each time a ball discharges from the trough 35 onto the lever 44 which, as above indicated, completes the electrical circuit for energizing the kicker coil 5I and operates the armature 52. Obviously, when the last ball has been projected up the passageway 45, the resilient lever 44 remains in the position seen in Fig. 15 at which position the electric circuit for the kicker mechanism is open or broken.

Mounted at the lower end of the playing eld adjacent the kicker mechanism is a selector device by virtue of which the player may set up by selection electrical circuit connections adapted to be completed upon actuation of the coin mechanism 33, and which circuits energize corresponding light bulbs of the series designated as 29a to 29g, inclusive. It is to be understood that Said selector mechanism includes a panel and indicator (not shown) associated with a cover plate Illa which overlies the lower portion of the playing eld covering the balls in the collecting trough 35, and it is also to be understood that said indicator and panel are provided with a series of designated positions corresponding to thestalls indicated at I to 1 and which adjustments complete certain electrical circuit connections, as above mentioned.

The selector device includes a cast frame 56 which is an integral portion of a main die cast frame, indicated at 51, mounted on the underside of the playing field, as seen in Fig. 2. Secured on said frame 55 is a panel of insulating material 58, the upper surface cf which is provided with a circular series of alternating electrical contact points 59 and 59a which extend through said panel and which are connected by electrical conductors into circuits of the respective lights of the series 29a to 29g, inclusive.

Extending upwardly through the insulating panel centrally of the circular series of contact points is a stem or'arbor 50 carrying a contact bar 3| which is insulated from said arbor by a bushing of insulating material, indicated at 62. Said contact bar iii includes a pair of oppositely extending arms tia and Sib; the arm iial being adapted to engage the contact points 59, while the arm @ib engages one of the contacts 59a to complete portions of the circuits for the lights 29a to 29g, inclusive. As may be seen in the drawings, contacts 59 are located at dierent angular positions corresponding to stall portions i to i, and are connected to corresponding relay devices for the lights 29a to 29g, while contacts 55a, are all connectedto a common conductor 59h (Fig. 8) to complete the circuit through the Contact bar 6l.

By virtue of means presently to be described, it will be seen that the respective contact arms iia and iib are moved denite angular amounts so that the contact arm iia will always register with a contact point 59 for one of the circuits of the lights 29a to 29g, inclusive, and the contact arm Sib will simultaneously align with a contact 59a.

Connected to the arbor G on the underside of the panel r55 is a gear member 64 in the form of a star Wheel, as seen in Fig. 8, which normally is meshed with a C20-operating gear 65 mounted on a horizontally extending shaft 55 journaled in bearings 56a of the frame 56. To the outer end of the shaft ii is rigidly secured an operating handle 5l for rotating said shaft, which in turn through the gearing @Il and 65 rotates the contact bar 5i to a desired position of adjustment at which the indicator above referred to registers with a numerical designation corresponding to one of the light bulbs 25a to 29g, inclusive, and which, as above mentioned, indicates which of the stalls i to 'i the player selects, and if the irst of the series of balls running down the playing field passes through the stall corresponding to the selector adjustment it will complete a corresponding electrical circuit for the aligned light of the series 30a to 35g, inclusive, which will indicate a winning combination.

To ensure that the contact arms Bia and Sib are moved definite angular positions of adjustment for engaging contacts 59 and 59a, which are connected in the respective electrical circuits of the series of lights 29a and 29g, there is provided a lever 68 pivoted at S9 to the underside of the panel 58 and the free end of which carries a roller 'it adapted to seat between adjacent teeth of the star wheel or gear 54. The roller 'iii `is urged into operative engagement with the teeth of the star wheel by a coil spring l'i and manifestly as the operating handle 6l is rotated for aligning the indicator with a desired numerical position corresponding to the selected light of the series 29a to 29g, said roller as it passes the crest of the respective teeth of the star wheel will tend to ride down the slope of the tooth so as to seat firmly between adjacent teeth and thus ensure arresting the star wheel at definite positions corresponding to registration of the respective contact arms 59a and Sib with the contact terminals 59 and 59a for completing a portion of the selected circuit. The gear 65 is provided with a slot 65a in its hub which engages a pin Eia of the shaft 56 which provides positive rotation for said gear, but permits aXial movement thereof along the shaft 66 so as to disengage it from the gear Sli. The purpose of this construction is to render the selecting means inoperative during the period that the coin operated mechanism 33 is being manipulated.

In operating this game apparatus, the selector device must be manipulated or adjusted prior to operation of the coin slide mechanism 33 in order to set up the desired circuit connections which are to be subsequently completed by virtue of the operation of the coin slide mechanism. Therefore, to prevent players from adjusting the selector more than once for each operation of the coin mechanism, the drive connections for the selector device from the knob 5l are broken during the movement of the coin operated mechanism 33.

Mounted on the shaft 55 beyond the gear 55 is a coiled spring i2 normally tending to maintain said gear 65 in operative engagement with the gear 64, but permits axial movement of said gear for disengagement from the gear 54, by the movement of the bifurcated or forked ends of the lever 'i3 which is rigidly mounted on a transversely extending rock shaft 'l journaled in the main frame 5l. As seen in Fig. '2 of the drawings, said shaft is provided with an offset end portion Ma carrying a roller Elib adapted to be engaged by an offs-et projection l5a which is rigidly connected to the main longitudinal movable operating bar 'i5 which is actuated in response to movement of the coin slide mechanism 33 upon insertion of a coin, and is returned to normal position by coil spring iii. Therefore, when the operating bar it is moved to the left from the position seen in Fig. 2, the projection 15a will Contact the roller 64b and rock the shaft 7i, swinging the bifurcated lever i3 in clockwise direction with respect to the illustration in Fig. 7, for moving the gear S5 out of operative engagement with the gear Evil, against the action of the coil spring l2, and said gears 64 and 65 will be maintained out of engagementwith each other during that portion of the stroke of the main operating lever which sets up the entire mechanism preparatory to the playing of the apparatus. Mounted onthe rock shaft M in association with the lever 13 is an arm 'il carrying an adjustable set screw i8 adapted to engagethe lever 13 and permit accurate adjustment thereof for insuring proper adjustment of the lever i3 with respect to the engagement thereof with the end of the hub of the gear 65.

Extending upwardly through an arcuate slot iic of the playing eld, in registration with the projection chute i2, is an arm liZ of the ejector lever i2 which is pivotally mounted at 133 in the main frame 5l. Circumscribing said pivot 43 is a relatively heavy spring 35 which is positioned to react on said lever, so that when itis swung in counterclockwise direction with respect to the position shown in Fig. 2 by virtue of movement of the main operating bar 'iii due to actuation of the coin mechanism as will hereinafter be described, said spring will become tensioned for forcibly returning the lever 42 to the position seen in Fig. 2, and during which return movement the upstanding projection i201 extending above the surface of the playing field in the projection passageway i2 will have forcibly impinged against the balls A disposed in said projection chute for impelling them upwardly onto the playing eld for play.

In order that the player may have control of the projection of the balls onto the playing field, said lever 42 when swung upwardly from the position shown in Fig. 2 is latched in its upward position by a detent lever 8i normally held in operative position by a coil spring 82, which lever is connected by a rod 83 to a lever arm 84 pivoted fil lll() lit) at 85 to the main frame 51. The upper end of said lever 84 extends around a rod 86 which is journaled in a bearing 51h, and the outer end of which is provided with a knob or handle 81. 'Ihe inner end of said rod is provided with an abutment 88 in the form of a cotter pin or the like, so that upon withdrawal of the rod 86 in an outward direction by grasping of the knob 81, said lever 84 is rocked upon its pivot 85 pulling on the rod 83, thereby rocking the lever 8| in a direction for releasing the ejector lever 42 for impelling the balls through the projection chute |2 onto the playing field. (See Fig. 9.)

Mounted on the underside of the playing eld panel is a bank of relay devices and switch mechanism controlled thereby, which devices are connected into electrical circuits for controlling the two series of lights 29a to 29g' and 30d to 30g, inclusive, and also for controlling the light 3| connected in the circuit controlled by tilting mechanism of conventional type. The switches and relays, designated generally at 89a to 89g, inclusive, are connected in corresponding circuits with the respective lights of the series 30a to 30g, inclusive, while the group of relay devices, designated generally 90a to 90g, inclusive, are connected in corresponding circuits for the lights 29a to 29g, inclusive. This latter series of lights corresponds to the circuits which the player may preliminarily establish by the selector mechanism, while the former series of lights 30a to 30g, corresponds to lights of the circuits that may be completed by the balls entering the stalls to 1, inclusive, on the playing eld. It is to be understood that the relay devices 89a to 89g and 90a to 90g are identical in construction, and as seen in Figs. 3 to 5 of the drawings, each comprises a coil 9| and a pivoted armature 92 which is provided with an oiset portion 92a at the outer end to form a stop shoulder 92h. Said armature levers 92 are normally urged toward the coils by iiat spring members 93, as seen in Fig. 4 of the drawings.

Associated with each relay device is a triple switch construction, indicated generally at 94, including three pairs of switch arms 94a-94b, 94c-94d and 94e and 941. It will be understood that these switch arms are assembled and insulated from each other in conventional manner by blocks of insulated material, as indicated at 95, and all of the switch units together with the coils are mounted on a supporting plate or base 96, which in turn is secured to the underside of the panel Il.

Associated with each relay switch device is a latch device comprising a lever 91 pivotally mounted on a rod 98 carried on upstanding ears 95a of the mounting plate 96. Rigidly formed with said latch lever is an angularly extending arm. 99 carrying an insulated pin |00 positioned intermediate the switch arms 94h and 94o. Mounted on the rod 98 in association with each lever 9'! is a coil spring 0| having leg portions reacting against the mounting plate 96 and the levers 91 tending to normally swing said levers 91 in counterclockwise direction, with respect to the position indicated in Fig. 4. It is to be understood that the switch arms 94a to 94j, inclusive, are of relatively resilient material, and normally when the relays have been set in operative position by operation of the coin chute mechanism, as will presently be described, the levers 91 engage the stop 92h of the armature 92, in which position of adjustment the insulated pin moves the switch arm 94h into circuit closing with the switch arm 94a and the other two sets of switch members 9de- 94d and 94e- 94f are maintained in open position. The circuit which is subsequently completed through the closed switch arms 94a and 94h of the relay device corresponding to the adjustment of the selector device, or the closing of the corresponding switch 24, energizes its coil 9| which attracts the armature 92 so as to disengage the abutment 92h with the shoulder adjacent the aperture in the lever 91, so as to permit said lever 91 to swing in clockwise direction which breaks the circuit between the switch arms 94a and 94h and establishes circuit connections between the respective pairs of switches 94c-94d and 94e-94f.

The last relay device of the bank, as indicated at |03, is somewhat similar to the other relay devices above described, and is connected in a circuit including the light bulb 3| which is adapted for actuation by tilting mechanism in the event the game apparatus is tilted, and also is connected in circuit with another switch device to be hereinafter described, so as to ensure a full stroke of the coin operating mechanism and main operating bar 16 in order to complete various circuit connections preparatory to playing the game.

The switches of the unit, designated at |03, diier slightly from the switches represented in Fig. 4, in that the lever 91 when positioned as in Fig. 4 closes contact between the switch arms |0311 and |03b and switch arms |03c and |03d, while the switch arms |03e and |03f are normally separated. When the coil of the relay |03 is energized as by actuation of the tilt mechanism, not herein shown, the switch arms |03a|03b and |03c-l03d become separated, while arms |03e|03f are moved into contact to complete an electrical circuit for light 3| and simultaneously breaking certain main circuits to temporarily disable the game.

Referring now to the main mechanism actuating mechanism:

Rigidly connected to the main operating bar 16 is a transversely extending arm |05, which is positioned to register with and engage a roller 42e on the end of the lever 42 opposite the ejector anni 42a so that upon longitudinal movement of the main operating bar 16 by movement of the coin slide mechanism 33, said arm |05 acting on the roller 42o will cause said lever 42 to swing in counterclockwise direction with respect to the position seen in Fig. 2, tensioning the spring 80 and causing the ejector end 42a of the lever to be latched in operative position by the detent lever 8|. Such movement of the arm |05 also causes the pin 42d, on which said roller 42e isI mounted, to engage an abutment |01a of a lever |01 pivoted at |01d on a lever |01b which in turn is pivoted at |01c on the main casting 51, causing said levers |01 and |01b to swing downwardly, and simultaneously, said lever adjacent the end of the stroke of the main operating lever 16 engages a lever |08 pivoted at |08a to the frame 51, swinging it downwardly and moving the pin |08c, carried by the outer end of said lever |08, out of contact with the switch arm |09d, which movement permits` the switch arms |09a, |0917, |090 and |09d, respectively, to become separated and break portions of electrical circuits hereinafter described.

During such movement of the parts, the ejector lever 42 becomes latched in operative position by the -detent lever 8| and its stud 42d engages an upstanding abutment ld of the lever lii for maintaining said lever out of contact with the switch arms lga, i595, WSC and tiled, maintaining said circuit controlled by said switches in open condition during the time that said ejector lever is in latched position preparatory to ejecting the balls onto the playing field. A coil spring il@ is connected to the lever ll and to the frame l for returning said lever i @i5 to normal position, as seen in Fig. 2, when released by the ejector lever d2. It is to be understood that in the movement of the ejector lever ft2 to operative position, the pin 42d during the nal portion of such movement disengages from the abutment shoulder lilla of the lever l'l so as to permit said levers it? and l'lb to return to the position shown in Fig. 2 under the inuence of a coil spring iii connected to said lever and to the frame 5l. The lever i'l is permitted to swing in a counter-clockwise direction only as viewed in Fig. 2, and is held in the position shown in Fig. 2 by the spring i i ia.

Pivotally connected to the lever lul is a lever H2, the opposite end of which is pivotally connected to a longitudinally extending relay reset bar il@ which extends over all of said relay devices, as seen in Figs. 2 and 4, in close proximity to the armatures 92. Pivotally connected to opposite ends of said reset bar are a pair of substantially parallel links lili and H5 pivotally connected respectively at H6 to the frame 5l and at i Il to the frame l I8 of the control mechanism, to be presently described. It will now be clear that as the main operating lever l5 is moved longitudinally by the coin slide device 33, movement will be imparted to the reset bar H3 swinging it in a parallel transverse direction so as to cause said bar to engage the levers 9'? associated with the relays that have been just previously actuated, swinging them about their pivot connection to a position at which the armatures 92 under the influence of the springs S3 moves outwardly to dispose their abutment shoulders 93 in blocking engagement with the corresponding levers ill.

The lever li connected to the upper end of the relay reset bar H3 is provided with an extension lita carrying the insulated disk ilFibl which normally engages switch arm Siga maintaining it in operative contact with its cooperating switch arm l i 9b for controlling the main electric circuit. It may be observed, however, that during the movement of the relay reset bar l i3, the -disk ilb maintains said switch arms` liila and l lh in operative contact except for the nal portion of the movement of the reset bar, and it may be well to here mention at the present time that the main function of this switch is to temporarily break the main circuit which controls all the relay devices and thereby prevent fluttering of the armatures due to the establishment of a circuit by the selector mechanism, and which may .also be due to the position of the armature @E the co-operating latch lever Sl resulting from previous af*- tuation of the game apparatus. Furthermore, the breaking of the main circuit through the relays at this stage of set up of the operating mechanism prevents actuation of any of the relay devices until all of said relay devices have been properly adjusted by the reset bar H3.

Mounted on the main frame 5l is a dash pot l2@ of conventional construction, including a control member l26la, the upper end of which is provided with a laterally projecting insulating pin iiiib which normally engages a switch arm igia for maintaining it in operative or closed relation to the switch arm l2 ib, which switch arms are connected in the circuit for controlling all of the switches 2@ associated with the operating levers 25 disposed in the respective stalls I to l at the lower end of the playing eld. When the coin slide mechanism 33 is actuated, a laterally eX- tending upstanding lug '55d carried on the bar l5 rigidly associated with the main operating bar i6 is caused to engage the end of the dash pot member iia depressing the same, and due to the resilient character of the switch arms lZa and lZilb, said arms separate to break the electrical circuit for said switches 2li which are connected respectively in circuits with certain of the relay devices. Bie dash pot device provides a relatively slow moving element for closing the circuit through the switch arms ltiia and S2619 for re-establishing the circuit through the switches 24.

The main purpose of this device is to prevent players from taking unfair advantage of the game apparatus, and it will be apparent that because the switch arms i2la and l2lb remain separated for breaking the circuit for the group of switches 24, it will not be possible for any balls that may have become lodged in some portion of the playing eld above the stalls from passing through the stalls and closing the respective switch 24 which otherwise would establish a circuit and perhaps would indicate a score that the player obviously would not be entitled to. Therefore, the circuits controlling the switches 24 is not re-established through the switch arms l2la and l2lb by virtue of the dash pot 523, for a predetermined interval of time during which the coin slide mechanism will have been returned to normal position and all of the balls on the playing eld will have passed through the stalls into the trough 35.

The main operating bar 'l is guided in its longitudinal path of movement by two sets of grooved rollers, indicated at 22 and l23, respectively, adjacent opposite ends of said bar. Mounted closely adjacent the main operating bar l5 are two switch devices IZG and E25 provided with contact arms izlia, and i241?, i 25a and i251), respectively. Said pairs of contact arms are normally separated and under control of a pin ci insulating material iic carried on the main operating bar l5. As may be seen in Fig. 2 of the drawings, the position of the pin lic is such as to engage the switch arm l2l n, normally maintaining it out oi operative engagement with its co-operating switch arm lZb while the switch arms |25@ and liib normally are in spaced apart relation.

When the main operating bar 'i6 is actuated by the coin slide mechanism engaging the downwardly projecting lug '55d adjacent the forward end of said bar, the pin 'itc moves out of engagement with the switch arm H2M permitting said arm to move into operative engagement with the switch arm lilb for completing a circuit connection through the tilt light bulb 3l and relay mechanism, designated generally at ID3, for purposes hereinafter described. As the operating bar approaches its limit of movement, the pin 'itc encounters the switch arm l 25a for completing a circuit between the switch arms I25a and 5251i, which switch completes an electrical circuit through the selector mechanism to one of a relay device and corresponding light of the series, designated generally at 29a, to Zag, respectively.

Mounted adjacent the lower end of the main operating lever le is a timing mechanism, indicated generally at B2i, which may be understood to be of conventional construction, and which includes a switch 28 comprising switch arms i280, and i281) which are moved into operative position for completing the main electrical circuit for actuating the apparatus when the bar 16 has been actuated in response to operation of the coin mechanism 33. The timing mechanism includes a laterally extending arm |21a adapted to be engaged by a depressing pin 16e on the operating bar 16 during the nal portion of the inward stroke of the bar 16, and which movement energizes the spring motor of the timing mechanism for maintaining the electrical circuit of the game apparatus in operative condition fora predetermined interval of time, which may be understood to be adequately sufficient for complete normal play of. the game apparatus. The main purpose of the timing mechanism is, however, to ensure breaking the main circuits and conserving electrical energy while the apparatus remains idle.

Mounted adjacent the upper end and on the underside of the playing eld is a control device, indicated generally at |30, as shown in Figs. to 12, carried on the frame ||8 which serves to complete electrical circuits to certain of the visual reward or score indicating lights 28a to 28g, respectively. Ihis mechanism is constructed so as to be actuated in response to movement of the main operating bar 16 upon each actuation of the coin operated mechanism 33 for establishing different circuit connections to the respective reward indicating lights.

It may be understood that the game apparatus thus far described would suice to provide an extremely interesting and entertaining game wherein the rewards in the event a player was successful in selecting a light corresponding to the light energized by the first ball operating one of the switches 24 by passing through one of the stalls. However, to render the same further entertaining and amusing, there may be associated with the apparatus, although not herein shown, conventional mechanism by virtue of which the player may automatically receive a token or tokens corresponding to the reward designated by one of the light bulbs 28a to 28g. Such reward tokens may, for example, be of various forms, such as in the form of a ticket which may be exchanged for suitable tokens which are capable of manipulating the coin mechanism 33 to permit the player to operate the game apparatus. Therefore, the electrical circuits of the game apparatus comprising this invention have been arranged to include such reward mechanism.

The control device |30, which as above indicated, establishes various electrical circuits to the different visual indicating light bulbs 28a to 28g, respectively, also establishes electrical circuits to the reward payout mechanism, above referred to. Said control device includes a panel of insulating material |3| on which is disposed two concentric circular rings |32 and |33, respectively, which are electrical conductors for portions of said electrical circuits.

Intermediate said rings are four circular series of electrical contact points, Idesignated generally at |34, which extend through the panel of insu- 1 lating material and are integrally connected to a plurality of segmental or arcuate contact strips of conductor material, designated generally at |35. Said contact strips |35 are connected to electrical conductor wires for completing portions of various electrical circuits to the visual reward or score indicating lights and the reward payout mechanism.

Mounted centrally with respect to the contact rings |32 and |33 and the series of contact points |34 is a depending arbor or pin |36 on which is mounted a carrier |31 including two laterally extending arms |31a and |3111. Carried on the arm |31a are a pair of. brushes or contact ingers |38a| and |3811 which maintain contact with the conductor rings |32 and |33 in any angular position of adjustment of said arm. Mounted on the arm |31 are a pair of brushes or contact fingers |39a. and |391)` which are positioned to engage the contact buttons |34. It is to be understood that the contact buttons |34 of the respective four circular series are so arranged that only two contact buttons of any two of the respective circular series are in radial registration so as to be engaged by the contact ngers |39a and |391). The contact fingers |38a., |3817, |39a and |391;V are insulated from their respective supporting arms |31a and |311), by insulating material indicated at |39 and the respective contact fingers |38a and |3911 and |381) and |391) are connected by conductors |380 and |38d, respectively, for completing portions of the electrical circuits, as hereinafter described.

Rigidly connected to the carrier |31 is a ratchet wheel |40 which is adapted to be rotated various angular amounts by actuation of the main operating bar 16, as will presently be described. Mounted on the arbor |36 above the ratchet wheel |40 is a motion transmitting lever arm |4| which carries a pawl |42 normally held in operative position with the teeth of the ratchet wheel by a spring |43. Mounted on the frame ||8 is a detent pawl |44 normally held in operative position with the teeth of the ratchet wheel by a spring |45 for preventing reverse rotation of the ratchet wheel. Carried on the extreme end of the main operating bar 16 opposite the coin mechanism 33 is a ratchet wheel |41 carrying a depending pin |48 which is adapted, when the bar 16 is actuated in response to actuation of the coin operated mechanism, to engage the motion transmitting lever |4|, swinging it about its arbor |36, and through pawl |42 which imparts rotation to the ratchet wheel Ill, which movement in turn positions the respective contact fingers |39a and |381) on a diierent set of contact buttons |34 for completing portions of different electrical circuits for the respective visual reward or score indicating light bulbs 28a to 29g, respectively.

Pivotally mounted on the lower end of the bar 16 adjacent the ratchet wheel |41 is a detent pawl |50 yieldingly held in engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheel |41 by a coil spring |5|. Mounted on said underside of the playing field adjacent the control mechanism is a pawl |52 pivotally mounted on a bracket |53 which is normally held against a stop |54 by a spring |55. During the in-stroke of the bar 16 by virtue of which. the pin |48 swings the lever |4| for shifting the brushes or fingers |3911 and |391) for completing different electrical circuits, the teeth of the ratchet wheel |48 will encounter the pawl |52 and upon return movement of the bar 16, said ratchet wheel |41 is rotated a denite angular amount. Manifestly, each time that the main operating bar 16 is moved in and out in response to operation of the coin mechanism 33, the pin |68 on the ratchet wheel |41 is disposed in a different angular position so as to vary the effective stroke of the operating bar 16 with respect to the motion transmitted to the lever |4|. In other words, the lever |41 will be moved through different ranges upon successive strokes of the bar 16. Such an arrangement of motion imparting mechanism will make it almost impossible for a player to determine the possible sequence of the circuits established to the reward or score mechanism by the successive operation of the operating bar 'iii through the coin mechanism 33.

In the construction herein disclosed, the number of teeth of the main ratchet wheel |40 correspends exactly with the different sets or pairs of contact buttons |311 that may be engaged by the Contact iingers |39@ and IBQIJ, and to ensure positive registration of these contact ngers with the contact buttons |303, an adjustable stop member |56 is mounted on a lug of the frame H8, and the end of said stop is positioned to serve as an abutment for arresting the pawl |52. The member |56 thuspermits minute adjustment of the mechanism so as to ensure accurate registration of the Contact fingers with the buttons |34 at any angular position of adjustment. As will be observed in the drawings, the contact fingers |39a and |392) are of suiiicient width to register respectively with the two innermost and the two outermost circles of contact buttons |34. The arrangement of the contact points |34 of the respective series is such that contact points of the innermost and outermost circles are in radial registration, and contact points of the two intermediate circles ar-e also disposed in radial registration. Therefore, as the contact ngers |39al and |391) move over the contact points the circuit will be established between Contact points of either the two intermediate circles or the outer and inner circles of Contact points.

As above mentioned, the visual indicating panel containing light bulbs 28a to 28g, inclusive, may designate certain visual rewards or scores to be accorded the player under certain conditions, and it may be understood that the panel containing these light bulbs may be provided with various reward designations associated with the respective bulbs. By way of illustration, let it be assumed that the highest reward designation of the panel is represented by the light bulb 28d and the next highest designation of the reward panel is represented by the light bulb 28C. As above described, the control mechanism, designated generally at |30, may be re-adjusted by each operation of the coin slide mechanism 33 for establishing connections for the various circuits to the respective light bulbs of the reward or score indicating panel.

To reduce the chances of completing portions of the circuit including the light bulb 28d, which designates the highest reward to be accorded to the player during successive operation of the complete game apparatus, there is provided mechanism actuated by the main operating bar i8 which upon successive strokes of said bar alternately completes portions of electrical circuits to the two highest reward or score designating light bulbs 28d and 28e. Said means comprises two double sets of switch-es, designated generally at |B|6| and NS2-463, and it may be understood that the respective pairs of switches |6l||6| and iti-|63 are alternately opened and closed by encounter with an insulated pin |55 carried on a lever H56 pivoted at |67 on the frame |68 which is mounted on the underside of the panel and straddles the bar 76. The upper portion of the lever t@ is formed with two oppositely extending cam surfaces |56@ and |861) adapted to be alternately engaged by a pin |653 on the lever |10 pivoted at |813 on the main operating bar le. Connected to the end of said lever opposite the pin It is a coil spring |S| the opposite end of which is connected to the bar 'i6 and serves to yieldingly maintain said lever |10 and its pin |59 in alignment with the bar i6. As the bar 'E6 is moved longitudinally in response to operation of the coin mechanism 33, the pin |51 engages one of the cams ila or leb, rocks the lever |66 about its pivot so as to cause the insulated pin |65 to swing over center to close the opposite pair of switches. Associated with the lever |65 is a spring |82 which is adapted to assist in positively swinging said lever |66 in either direction after said lever has been moved slightly over the central position by encounter with the pin |59. The switch I6@ is adapted to complete a portion of the circuit which includes the high reward or score indicating bulb 28d While the switch |62 is adapted to complete a portion of the circuit which includes the next highest reward or score indicating bulb 28e. The corresponding switches |t`| and |63 complete respectively portions of circuits to the automatic reward mechanism above referred to.

In order that a clear and complete understanding may be had of the construction and operation of the game apparatus embodying this invention, it is deemed advisable to briey describe rst the general action of the game apparatus as may be observed by a player, and then describe various electrical circuits that may be established as the result of the action of the player setting the game apparatus into play,

Preparatory to playing the game, the player rst adjusts the selector mechanism by manipulating the handle 67| so that the indicator (not shown) registers with a numeral which corresponds to the particular stall at the end of the playing iield that the player expects and intends the rst ball to enter. Then the player inserts a coin in the coin mechanism, designated at 33, for releasing the mechanism and permitting movement of a conventional slide bar which engages the main operating bar 76, and during the nal portion of the instroke of the bar lli, the balls, designated generally at A, resting in the trough 35 at the lower end of the playing el-d, are quickly projected one after the other up the passageway 4D for lodgment into the chute 2 for projection upon the playing field.

During the complete movement of the coin mechanism 33, an electric circuit is completed through the selector mechanism for illuminating one of the lights of the series 29a to 29g which corresponds to the adjustment of the indicator of the selector mechanism. Such movement of the bar l has also established certain portions of an electrical circuit through the control device, indicated generally at |353, to one of the light bulbs of the score or reward indicating series, indicated at 28a. to 23g, inclusive, and which circuit is completed upon projection of the balls upon the playing eld. Said light bulb when illuminated designates the particular reward or score to be accorded the player in the event the first ball entering the stalls operates a switch 2li controlled by a ringer 2@ in the particular stall which corresponds to the numerical position of adjustment of the indicator of the selector device. If this happens, another electrical circuit is completed which illuminates a corresponding light of the series 39a, to 36g, and also completes an electrical circuit to automatic reward mechanism for rewarding the player in the form of a token or tokens corresponding to the reward designated by the illuminated light of the series 28a to 28g.

By virtue of the construction herein shown and described, the player or players may make a multlplicity of selections for each complete play of the game apparatus. As above described in detail, a. multiplicity of circuits to the respective lights 29a to 29g may be set up by adjusting the indicator of the selector mechanism in response to successive actuations of the main operating bar 16 by operation of the coin mechanism 33 prior to the projection of the balls on the playing field.

In order that a clear understanding may be had of the various electrical circuits that may be established upon complete operation of the game, we will now describe the various circuits in connection with a hypothetical illustration. Referring now to the schematic wiring diagram represented in Fig. 19, it will be noted that for convenience, the various selector contacts corresponding to the different stalls of the playing field, as well as the switches 24 associated with the respective stalls, are provided with numerical designations 1 to '1, inclusive, corresponding to the numbers of said stalls. Relay devices of the series 90ay to 90g, which are connected in the various circuits with the selector mechanism, likewise are provided with corresponding numerical designations, and the series of relay devices designated as 89a to 89g, which are connected in series with corresponding switches 24, likewise bear similar numerical designations corresponding to the designations of both the selector device and the stalls on the playing field.

For the purpose of illustration, let it be assumed that the indicator of the selector mechanism has been adjusted to a position to complete a circuit through the contact bearing numerical designation 7 (which corresponds to the particular stall of the playing field that the player intends the rst ball to enter). During the end stroke of the main operating bar 1B, the stop 4| is withdrawn so that the balls A may roll down the trough 35, one at a time, into the lower end of the passageway 40, and as each ball rolls in the said passageway, it depresses the resilient nger 44 which closes the switch contact arms 46 and 41, energizing the coil 5| of the kicker mechanism causing the armature lever or kicker bar to be forcibly attracted to the coil, causing the end of said armature lever to forcibly strike the ball in the passageway 40 and propel it up said passageway, and due to the curved portion 38a of the guard bar 38, the ball is re-directed downwardly into the projection chute I2. Therefore, 'as each ball rolls in sequence into the passageway 40 and closes the switch 43 for energizing the kicker coil 5|, said balls are promptly directed into the projection chute. The circuit including the switch 48 and the kicker coil 5| includes a main conductor wire |90, and a branch conductor wire |9| which is connected directly to the switch arm 46. The circuit is completed through the switch by virtue of the connection of the switch arm 41 by a conductor wire |92 to one end of the rcoil 5|, the opposite end of said coil being connected by a conductor |93 to the returned side of the circuit as represented by its connection to the conductor wire |94. Such inward movement of the coin slide mechanism and operating bar 16 moves the pin 16e downwardly so as to permit the switch arms |24@ and |2412 to be moved into closed position, in which position they will remain until the complete return movement of the said coin slide. It will be noted that the circuit controlled `by the switch |24 includes the tilt relay device, generally designated by the reference character |03, and the tilt light designated at 3|, so that the latter will be effective for rendering the game inoperative for certain purposes unless the coin slide is fully returned to its original position in a manner to be presently more fully described.

The tilt relay device |03 with its associated switches is also arranged so as to function in response to conventional tilt control mechanism which may be in the form of a swinging pendulum adapted when the device is tilted to engage a contact for closing the circuit to the relay device |03 and its associated switches to thus render the device inoperative for certain purposes.

As the operating bar approaches its lower limit of movement, it energizes the spring timer mechanism designated generally at |21, which closes the main control switch |28 for completing the main electrical circuit of the game apparatus, and simultaneously the switch |25 is closed by the pin 16e of the bar 15 for energizing the relay circuit which includes the portion of the circuit established by the adjustment of the selector mechanism. Just as soon as the switch |25 is closed, current ilows` through the main conductor wire |90 and branch wire |95, through the switch unit, designated generally at |03, the current passing through the switch arm |03d to switch arm |03c and thence through a conductor wire |96 to branch conductor wire |91, through the closed switch |25 and thence through branch conductor |98 to the ground connection, designated at |99, of the selector device. The current then flows through the contact arms SIb and 6|a, completing the circuit through the contact 59 (at position 1 of the selector mechanism) through the conductor Wire 200, which is connected to the switch arm 94a of the switch associated with relay 90g (number 7) and through the switch arm 94h to the coil of said relay 90g. Said relay coil is also connected to a main ground conductor 20| which connects all of the relay coils of the two series through the closed switch arms 94a, and 94h associated with the relay 39g, and the current then flows through corresponding switch arms associated with all of the relays 891 to 89a, and thence through conductor 202, through the closed switch composed of arms |03a and |03b and thence through conductor 203 to switch ||9 and back through the conductor |94.

As above mentioned, the switch ||9 is closed substantially at all times except during a brief interval adjacent the inward limit of movement of the bar 16. The completion of the circuit through the relay 90g (number '1) energizes its coil for attracting its armature 92 which breaks the circuit between corresponding switch arms 94a and 94h, and completes portions of electrical circuits through its respective switch arms 94C, 94d, and 946-9412 as above described in detail. The switches associated with the relays 90a to 90g are identical in construction, and it may be understood that the switch arms 94e and 94f when closed control a corresponding light vcircuit for the bulbs 29a to 29g, while the arms 94o and 94d when closed control electrical circuits to the reward mechanism.

As soon as the electrical circuit just described has been broken by opening of the switch composed of the arms 94a and 94h, the current will flow from the conductor |96 through the switch arms 94j and 94e of relay device 99 and through a conductor 204 to the light bulb (number '7) designated at 29g, to the return side of the circuit through the conductors 205a and 205, through the main switch |28, and the conducfield after a selection has been made and before the complete returned movement of the coin slide has been had a ball passing over the selected area or stall would be ineffective for actuating the payout mechanism by reason of the fact that the switch |24 would still be in closed position and, therefore, the circuit which would be completed upon the passing of the ball over the switch 2|| would be to energizeV the tilt relay |03, thereby preventing a closing of the circuit to the payout mechanism or' to any rof the relays 89a to 89g. The circuit that will be closed under those circumstances will be if we assume that the stall selected over which the ball is intended to pass is stall No. 1, and that a ball has passed through said stall, the current Will flow from the energized wire 220 by reason of the closing of the switch S40-94d of the coil 90g to the conductor 22|, then through the switch arms |24a to |24b through conductor 230, branch conductor 23| to tilt relay |03. The other end of the relay, it will be noted, is connected to the live Wire |94 through the switch ||9, conductor 201, switches IUC-ia and |0312 and conductor 232. The result of the energizing of the tilt relay |03 will be to break the contacts ;|03a,|03d and |03c|03d and in turn complete the circuit through contacts |03e- 4||l3f. The result of this will be to illuminate the tilt light 3| and at the same time prevent the closing of a circuit to the payout mechanism, which circuit can only be closed when the switch |03a|03b is in closed position. Thus it will be 'noted that unless the coin slide is fully returned to its original position in which position it will break engagement between the contacts |24a |2027, it will be impossible to complete a circuit to the payout mechanism.

If it happens that the first ball passing into one of the stalls enters one other than that selected by the player, that particular light of the series 30ato 30g, corresponding to the stall through which the ball passed, will be illuminated, but manifestly because the switch composed of arms 94e and 94f associated with the relay switches of the series 89a and 89h will not then be connected in series with the corresponding pair of switch arms of the series of relay switch devices 90a to 90b, the reward mechanism will not function.

If the control mechanism |30 becomes adjusted for completing circuits through the higher reward indicating light bulbs 28C and 28d, the contact fingers |3ila and |3912 of the control device will engage the terminals designated respectively at X and Y, in Fig. 19, and if the respective switches |62 and |63 are closed, as indicated in the wiring diagram, circuit is established through the light 28C and the corresponding contact of the reward mechanism. Whereas if the switches |60 and |6| are closed instead by operation of the bar 1B, current will flow through the light bulb 28d which is the highest reward designating light bulb and will also complete a corresponding electrical circuit to the reward mechanism subject, of course, to the final completion of the circuits controlled by the relay devices actuated by the proper switch 24 associated with the stall through which the first ball passes, and which corresponds to proper adjustment of the selector mechanism prior to playing the game.

It is believed that our invention, its mode of construction and assembly, and many of its advantages should be readily understood from the foregoing without further description, and

it should also be manifest that while a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described for illustrative purposes, the structural details are nevertheless capable of wide variation within the purview of our invention as defined in the appended claims.

What we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. Game apparatus of the character described, comprising a playing field having a plurality of dened areas over or into which a playing object may move, each of said areas being provided with a contact which is adapted to be actuated when a playing object passes over or into said area, electrically actuated visual indicating means each operable by a contact disposed in an area of the playing field, and selector means adapted to be adjusted by the player for selecting a certain area of the field over or into which it is intended that the object shall move, said adjustment of the selector means completing a portion of an electrical circuit for subsequently actuating the indicating means controlled by the contact located in the particular area selected.

2. Game apparatus of the character described, comprising a playing field having a plurality of defined areas over or into which a playing object may move, each of said areas being provided With a contact which is adapted to be actuated when a playing object passes over or into said area, electrically actuated visual indicating means each operable by a contact disposed in an area of the playing iield, selector means adapted to be adjusted by the player for selecting a certain area of the field over or into which it is intended that the object shall move, and coin operated mechanism adapted when actuated for completing an electric circuit for the indicating means controlled by the contact located in the particular area designated by the adjustment of the selector means.

3. Game apparatus of the character described comprising a playing fleld having a plurality of defined areas over or into which a playing object may move, each of said areas being provided with a contact which is adapted to be actuated when a playing object passes over or into said area, electrically actuated visual indicating means each operable by a contact disposed in an area of the playing field, and a single coin operated means adapted when actuated for completing an electric circuit for the indicating means controlled by the contact located in a particular area of the playing field, said coin operated means being adapted for a plurality of successiveactuations prior to playing movement of said object for completing electrical circuits for the indicating means corresponding to other areas of the playing field.

4. Game apparatus for the character described comprising a playing field having a plurality of defined areas over or into which a playing object may move, each of said areas being provided with a contact which is adapted to be actuated when a playing object passes over or into said area, electrically actuated visual indicating means each operable by a contact disposed in an area of the playing field, selector means adapted to be adjusted by the player for selecting a certain area over or into which it is intended that the object move, and coin operated mechanism adapted when actuated for completing an electric circuit for the indicating means controlled by the contact located in the particular area designated by the position of adjustment of 'the selector means, said selector means being adjustable prior to each actuation of the coin operated mechanism to register at diierent positions corresponding to dii-ferent areas of the playing iield for completing circuits to the corresponding indicating means by a plurality of actuations of the coin mechanism prior to the playing movement of said object.

5. Game apparatus of the character described, comprising a playing field having a plurality of defined areas over or into which a playing object may move, each oi said areas being provided with a Contact which is adapted to be actuated when a playing object passes over or into said area, electrically actuated visual indicating means, each operable by a contact disposed in an area of the playing field, selector means adapted to be adjusted by the player for selecting a certain area of the eld over or into which it is intended that the object shall move, and coin operated mechanisrn adapted when actuated for completing an electric circuit for the indicating means controlled by the contact located in the particular area designated by the adjustment of the selector means, said selector means being' rendered nonadjustable during each actuation ci the coin operated mechanism to preclude manipulation by the player during such period.

6. Game apparatus of the character described comprising a playing eld having a plurality of deiined areas over or into which a ball may move, each of said areas being provided with a contact which is adapted to be actuated when a playing object passes over or into said area, two series of electrically actuated visual indicating means, one series of indicating means designating the selection of one of said areas by the player while the other series of indicating means designating the area over or into which the ball has passed, selector means connected in circuits with the first series of indicating means and adapted to be adjusted by a player for designating a certain selected area over or into which it is desired that the ball shall move, coin operated mechanism adapted when actuated for completing an electric circuit through the indicating means of the nrst series corresponding to the particular area designated by the position of adjustment of the selector means, and normally open switch means arranged for control by the contacts disposed within said areas and connected in circuit with said second series oi indicating means, whereby the ball which passes over or enters one of said areas closes the switch controlled by the contact located in the particular area over or into which the ball has passed for completing an electric circuit through the indicating means of the second series corresponding to the area passed over or entered by said ball.

7. Game apparatus of the character described comprising a playing iield having a plurality of defined areas over or into which a ball may move, each of said areas being provided with a Contact which is adapted to be actuated when a playing object passes over or into said area, two series of indicating means, one series of indicating means designating the selection of one of said areas by the player while the other series. of indicating means designating the area over or into which a ball has passed, means for selectively placing in operative position one or more of the said iirst series of indicating means, means adapted when actuated for rendering completely operative the selected indicating means of the rst series, and normally inoperative means for controlling the operation of said second series of indicating means, whereby the ball which passes over or enters one of said areas actuates the last mentioned means through the contacts located in said vareas for rendering completely operative the indieating means of the second series corresponding to the area passed over or entered by said ball.

8. Game apparatus of the character described comprising a playing field having a plurality of dened areas over or into which a ball may move, leach of said areas being provided with a Contact which is adapted to be actuated when a playing object passes over or into said area, two series of electrically actuated Visual indicating means, one series of indicating means designating the selection of one of said areas by the player while the other series of indicating means designating the area over or into which the ball has passed, 4selector means connected in circuits with the first series of indicating means and adapted to be adjusted by a player for designating a certain selected area over or into which it is desired that the ball shall move, means adapted when actuated for completing an electric circuit through the indicating means or the first series corresponding to the particular area designated by the position oi adjustment of the selector means, and normally open switch means arranged for actuation by the contacts located in said areas and connected in circuit with said second series of indicating means, whereby the ball which passes over or enters one of said areas closes the switch controlled by the contact within the area over which the ball passes for completing an electric circuit through the indicating means of the second series corresponding to the area passed over or entered by said ball, said second series of indicating means being so connected that the actuation of one will render all of the remaining indicating means in said series inoperative.

9. Game apparatus of the character described comprising a playing eld having a plurality of deiined areas over or into which a ball may move, each of said areas being provided with a Contact which is adapted to be actuated when a playing object passes over or into said area, two series of indicating means, one series of indicating means designating the selection of one of said areas by the player while the other series of indicating means designating the area over or into which a ball has passed, means for selectively placing in operative position one or more of the said iirst series of indicating means, means adapted when actuated for rendering completely operative the selected indicating means of the rst series, and normally inoperative means for controlling the operation of said second series of indicating means, said last mentioned means being adapted for actuation by the contacts located in said areas, whereby the ball which passes over or enters one of said areas actuates the last mentioned means controlled by the contact in the particular area over which the ball passes or enters for rendering completely operative the indicating means of the second series corresponding to the area passed over or entered by said ball, said second series of indicating means being so connected that the actuation of one will render all of the remaining indicating means in said series inoperative.

l0. Game apparatus of the character described comprising a playing field having a plurality of defined areas over or into which a ball may move, each of said areas being provided with a contact which is adapted to be actuated when a playing object passes over or into said area, two series of 

